Rudolph, its first abbot, a strict and severe observer of the rule, devoted himself energetically to the erection of proper buildings.

The church, cruciform in shape, was 240 feet in length, and the other buildings in proportion; at one period the community numbered as many as 80 monks and 70 lay-brothers.

The monastery site, including burial grounds, traces of the chapel and cloisters and some associated buildings, is now a designated scheduled monument.

The house incorporates part of the south end of the monastic range, with the dorter undercroft intact.

The house was modified and rebuilt successively by John Mylne in 1650, William Burn in 1836 and David Bryce in 1858.

The chapel includes a 16th-century font and a fine parquet floor, made using wood from the estate, in the style of original tile-work.

[4] The college was established under trustees from the four ancient Scottish Universities specifically for adults returning to education.

In 1987 the Secretary of State for Scotland announced the intention to withdraw funding, threatening the college with closure.